Another Quote by Alice Morse Earle
“It is plainly evident that, in a country where land was to be had for the asking, fuel for the cutting, corn for the planting and harvesting, and game and fish for the least expenditure of labor, no man would long serve for another, and any system of reliable service indoors or afield must fail.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Life of the American Frontier, 1902
In a resource‑rich land, people would prefer self‑sufficiency, making hired labor unnecessary and causing service systems to collapse.
In simple terms: People would work for themselves when resources are abundant, so hired help isn’t needed.
Key Takeaway
Promote self‑reliance and local resource use.
Themes
self‑reliance
economics
labor
resource abundance
Mood
reflective
analytical
historical
Type
explanatory
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- rural settlement
- historical analysis
- policy planning
Key Concepts
sustainability
community resilience
economic independence
Questions to Reflect On
- Can self‑sufficiency be realistic today?
- What roles do hired services play now?
A Different Perspective
Modern economies rely on specialization despite resource availability.
